Tom Latham Blitz Helps Black Caps Beat Bangladesh in 1st ODI

New Delhi, Tuesday, December 27 – There is no doubt that cricket is a sport wherein suspense over a clear winner stays until the final delivery is bowled unless a team or individual player performs outstandingly well. It is a different point that some immaculate blitz of the cricketers makes their squad inflict humiliating defeat on the opponents much prior than expected. No matter a victory is logged early or on the dot, the curiosity lies till the end.

Something similar to this was witnessed a day ago when New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 77 runs at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, which hosted first One Day International match. Bangladesh steadily gained massive popularity for entertaining audiences by putting unpredicted sport in highly unpredictable manner, defeating the powerhouses at different time intervals. Being a team that showed growth continuously, expectations surge automatically for future contests. They are currently on the tour of New Zealand for a whole one month to contest in three ODIs, same number of T20 matches and two Tests in the end. The series between them began recently when first ODI held a day ago. Many experts predict that the ongoing competition may catch the eyes thanks to Bangladesh potential of shining in a better way.

A few matches may get to see no or less attention, leaving a number of seats in stadiums vacant. But scenario may change soon and no wonder, people begin to jam-pack those grounds where games of New Zealand and Bangladesh are slated to take place as the time passes by. Although the tourists did not have an ideal start on Monday since the hosts put their best foot forward, totaling a massive score of 341 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs. Viewers looked for entertainment and New Zealand squad did not disappoint them. Every format has its own significance. ODI is actually a platform where future of cricket playing nations can be nurtured since young cricketers try their best to stand out amid others, showcasing their natural play. The stress of being prominent enables players in their early 20’s to create a bond between seniors and learn several techniques which are required to win contests at different stages.

It was a real joy for fans of the Black Caps to watch 50-50 over game yesterday for the reason that the hosts won the toss and match towards the end. New Zealand squad was captained by Kane Williamson, who looked forward to a good show from Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Neil Broom Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult and Luke Ronchi. Those to sit on bench were Colin de Grandhomme and Matt Henry. Bangladesh Playing XI, on the other hand, included Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Those in extra were Mehedi Hasan, Subashis Roy, Tanveer Haider and Rubel Hossain. It is not so easy for visiting squad to adjust themselves in a different place, which sports different weather and pitch conditions.

Unquestionably, Bangladesh have emerged as a strong team in the recent past as they made efforts to utilize all opportunities in the best way possible that came one after the other. They are fetching attention of cricket fraternity and fans across the world by defeating the teams that have been playing this sport for more than a few decades. But it was not their day yesterday as New Zealand managed to score a mammoth total despite losing Martin Guptill early at a score of 15 (4 x 1 and 6 x 1) thanks to a good ball by Mustafizur and catch by Soumya Sarkar.

Tom Latham was in a different mood, hitting the ball hard whenever possible. The opener scored 137 runs in 121 balls, together with seven 4s and four sixes. With Kane Williamson, he did a partnership of 48 runs. Taskin Ahmed dismissed New Zealand skipper at a score of 31 attained with the help of five boundaries. Neil Broom was the next cricketer to arrive on the pitch but he was lbw by Shakib as soon as he totaled 22 runs by running ones and twos. James Neesham was out in the same manner as like Broom by the same man post scoring 12 runs of 13 balls. His innings included two fours. Colin Munro and Latham made sure Bangladesh strive for wickets. When Shakib dismissed Munro at a score of 87 attained in just 61 balls, along with eight 4s and four biggies, more than 300 runs were there on the scoreboard.

Mustafizur brought play of Latham to an end. He scored runs with a strike rate of 113.22. Luke Ronchi was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed at 5 runs, while Mitchell Santner was not out at 8 runs. Tim Southee was not out at 7 runs (4 x 1). Bangladesh started well. However, soon wicket was lost as Imrul Kayes was dismissed by Southee at a score of 16 (4 x 2 and 6 x 1). Next two wickets fell early as Soumya Sarkar lost his wicket at 1 run and Mahmudullah on a naught. Both were dismissed by Neesham, who later on got wicket of Tamim Iqbal. The opener scored 38 runs in 59 balls, with the help of five boundaries. Shakib Al Hasan, at the same time, made efforts to take Bangladesh on a strong side.

Before losing wicket to Lockie Ferguson, he scored 59 runs off 54 balls, with five fours and a couple of sixes. Mushfiqur Rahim also showed some hope but he was retired out at 42 runs (4 x 3). Sabbir Rahman struck a six but soon lost wicket to Lockie Ferguson, who scored 16 runs off 11 balls. Mosaddek Hossain Saikat was not out at 50 runs, which included five boundaries and three sixes. He eyed partnership that could take Bangladesh somewhere close to attaining the target but that did not happen. Mashrafe Mortaza was dismissed by Santner at 14 runs (4 x 3), while Taskin Ahmed by Lockie Ferguson at a score of 2. Mustafizur Rahman wicket to Southee on a naught sealed victory for New Zealand, who took lead of 1-0 in the series. Latham was declared Man of the Match.